How To Choose A Davis Weather Station

Your hyperlocal weather is not just like anyone else’s. It’s unique, as are your data and information needs. Some weather buffs just want the basics of temperatures, wind speeds, and rain. Others want piles of data they can analyze and share. You may live where extreme weather poses threats or where your outdoor activities are dependent upon weather. Some folks need a system to help growing gardens or acres of wheat, while others want ways to make their property “smarter.”

That’s why we at Davis offer a range of choices in weather stations. We give you unlimited options for flexibility in stations and add-on sensors. But sometimes all those options make choosing the right station more difficult, especially if you are new to owning a weather station.

First of all, you will notice that the term “weather station” has some flexibility. Sometimes, manufacturers use the term "station" to refer to a self-contained unit; other times, it's a suite of individual outdoor sensors that can be deployed together. Furthermore, the term "station" does nothing to explain how the data actually gets to the user -- will someone need to monitor the station directly, or can the device extend the information to a viewing console or online interface for review?

For us at Davis, a weather station is a solution that includes both sensors and a way to collect and view that data. Our complete Vantage Pro2 and Vantage Vue stations come with an outdoor sensor suite that sends data via radio to an indoor console. For the most useful, secure, and sharable means of collecting and viewing data, you can choose to push your data from the WeatherLink Console to the WeatherLink.com cloud platform which enables you to access, analyze, store, and share your data on your phone or computer.

Both Vantage Vue and Vantage Pro2 systems have industry-leading specs with super-fast updates (as fast as 2.5 seconds), the ability to measure wind speeds as high as 200 mph (322 km/h), and effective standard radiation shields for accurate temperatures. Both are extremely accurate, durable, and reliable. Both sensor suites are powered by solar panels and include back-up batteries; both are available with the WeatherLink Console or can report to a WeatherLink Live.

So, which should you choose?

Why choose Vantage Vue?

If you are a hobbyist, backyard gardener, or just a weather and data geek, this is the one for you.

• Affordable: A whole lot of weather station that won’t break your bank.
• Small profile: Designed to minimize visual impact in your yard or on your roof.
• Easiest set up: Sets up in minutes.

Why choose Vantage Pro2?

If you need a professional, industrial-grade station for serious weather observations of your home, business, farm, or venue, Vantage Pro2 fills the bill.

• Still affordable: While more expensive that the Vantage Vue, Vantage Pro2, is still the most affordable weather station in the professional home weather station realm. It is the choice of many meteorologists, growers, educators, researchers and other professionals around the world.
• Flexible siting: NOAA siting standards call for wind speed and direction to be measured at 30’ (10 meters) above ground, while temperature and rain should be at 6’ (2 meters). Vantage Pro2's sensor suite includes a 40’ cable between the anemometer and the sensor interface so you can mount the anemometer on the roof, while the rest of the sensor suite remains lower to the ground. This not only makes it more appropriately sited for NOAA standards, it also makes maintenance of the rain collector easier.
• Expandable: You can accessorize and add on to your Vantage Pro2 system. You can choose the Vantage Pro2 with Standard Radiation Shield or up your game with a Vantage Pro2 Plus that includes solar radiation and UV sensors. Growers can choose a Vantage Pro2 GroWeather, while those in arid and calm wind areas can choose a fan aspirated radiation shield. You can even add a Leaf Wetness and Soil Moisture Station to your Vantage Pro2 system.

You really can’t go wrong with either system. But whichever station you choose, we recommend pushing your data to the WeatherLink cloud platform from a WeatherLink Console or with WeatherLink Live. (Learn about the importance of sharing your weather data here.)

We've made it easy

Once you've decided which station is best for you, consider purchasing one of the sets of bundles below or shop all of our stations here.

Featured Stations

Vantage Vue Weather Station with WeatherLink Console

Wireless Vantage Pro2 Weather Station with Standard Radiation Shield and WeatherLink Console